Whether you prefer a full glam makeup look with tons of eyeshadow and extra-long lashes or the trending ‘no makeup makeup’ style, concealer is a must-have for masking dark circles and acne marks, and brightening up the face.
In fact, aside from a CC cream, skin tint or light blush, few makeup products provide such a subtle ‘your skin but better’ result, and as a minimalist makeup fan myself, a good concealer is one of the only products I really couldn’t live without.
But concealers can be costly, and when using them every day, it’s easy to get through tubes at rather rapid rates. So, I’ve turned to these six high street heroes to stay topped up when money is tight. And you best believe that being budget-friendly doesn’t make them any less effective than some of the more luxury labels.
The best high street concealers
From The Body Shop’s vitamin C-packed products to the e.l.f Halo Glow Liquid Filter (full of hyaluronic acid), these high street concealers do much more than just cover blemishes, hide dark spots and define the face. And if you still don’t believe me, it won’t cost the earth to give them a go yourself.
Catrice Cosmetics Liquid Camouflage High-Coverage Concealer, £3.49
Coming in at under £4, this Catrice Cosmetics concealer really is a bargain buy. A soft doe foot applicator easily applies the product to even the smallest corners of the face – inner eye corner included – and has a high coverage finish that can be easily layered up.
There isn’t a huge range of shades, so be sure to snap your colour up if you can find it, and keep the lid on tight to stop it from drying out. If cheap and cheerful was the aim of the game, then Catrice Cosmetics comes in at first place.
The Body Shop Vitamin C Concealer, £15
Enriched with vitamin C to brighten the skin, The Body Shop’s concealer works from the inside-out, blurring blemishes with a lightweight formula. It’s vegan, so suitable for animal lovers, and the citrusy scent gives a real mood-boosting feel.
It’s made to be buildable, so you can layer up under the eyes without too much worry of creasing, and it can also stick to blemishes and beard shadow to create a smoother appearance on the face.
Max Factor Miracle Pure Concealer with vitamin C and hyaluronic acid, £9.99
This Max Factor concealer is another find filled with skin-loving ingredients. Both hyaluronic acid and vitamin C work to hydrate the skin for up to 24 hours, illuminating the face from the inside out.
The soft doe foot applicator easily applies the product to the face, and it’s one of the easiest concealers to blend that I’ve tried so far. Although, I would say it works best under the eyes and to highlight areas of the face rather than to blur blemishes, as it isn’t the thickest of formulas.
Revolution Conceal and Define Concealer, £4.99
We all love an affordable makeup buy, but the problem so often with high street concealers is the lack of shade ranges. Enter: Revolution’s beauty industry famous formula, which is available in 48 shades – and for just £5 a pop.
It’s been said to be a smart dupe for Nars’ beloved creamy concealer and has a similar applicator and level of high coverage to target stubborn spots.
A great choice if you’re in the market for a purse-friendly buy – just be warned, this sells like hotcakes, so add to your basket, stat.
NYX Professional Makeup HD Photogenic Concealer Wand, £6
NYX Professional is the makeup brand used by many a makeup artist, so of course, this product delivers. And if you’re looking for a full-coverage formula, then you’ve come to the right place, as it’s one of the brand’s bestsellers for a reason. With an emollient-rich formula, this glides on effortlessly and covers anything you need to be covered effectively.
Included in the shade range are colour-correcting green, purple and yellow shades to brighten up dull skin and neutralise dark circles or redness.
I do have to stress not to leave this product on for too long before blending in, as it does like to stick down to the skin incredibly quickly. Be warned.
Kiko Milano Skin Tone Concealer, £7.99
For a true ‘no-makeup makeup’ look, Kiko Milano has to be my favourite. This concealer is a fuss-free find, doing exactly what it says on the tin (or should I say, tube) with a medium coverage that quickly blends out.
When used under the eyes, it instantly brightens and lightens dark circles, and it’s quite the hero product for highlighting the face, too. The rotating applicator makes it unique, and it’s even easier to use than standard styles for quick on-the-go touch-ups. For anyone who finds themselves creating their makeup look on their commute, this may be the concealer for you.
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